A tragic incident occurred in Karachi’s Jamshed Quarters on Wednesday when a six-year-old boy named Ali died after falling into an open manhole while returning home.
Ali, who had been selling chips, was accompanied by his younger brother Ubaid when he accidentally stepped into the uncovered manhole and drowned. Ubaid, frozen in fear, could not help his brother.
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In response, the family and local residents staged a protest by placing the child’s body on Jamshed Road. The demonstration ended after police held talks with the protesters.
Locals voiced frustration, blaming negligence by the authorities and arguing that previous inaction against responsible officials has led to repeated tragedies.
MQM-P leader and Sindh Assembly member Aamir Siddiqui visited the scene and strongly criticized the Sindh government for its failure to address the recurring issue.
A similar tragedy happened earlier this year in Shah Faisal Colony, where another six-year-old, Ibad, drowned after falling into an open manhole while playing near a wedding hall. His body was recovered from a drain nearly two kilometers away.
Ibad had come from Kala Pul for a family event, while his father works in Dubai. The family chose not to pursue legal action.
Despite at least 19 children dying in open manhole incidents in Karachi last year, such fatal accidents persist with alarming frequency.
